BMW 5-Series Touring (2011)

The headlight units extending far into the side panels also serve to emphasise the width of the car. The actual light sources are two cylinder-shaped headlights, with the dual round headlights cut off at the top by a trim panel creating the concentrated look so typical of a BMW and reminiscent of an athlete on the starting line. In conjunction with the optional Xenon headlights, the daytime driving lights incorporate quite unmistakable LED light rings, while the direction indicators moved far to the outside are made up of ten LED units each. As a final highlight, an LED focus light marks the upper end of each headlight unit.

Side view: dynamically stretched contours, flat silhouette.

The handling characteristics of the new BMW 5-Series combine superior agility with outstanding riding comfort. An adequate balance between sportiness and elegance is also reflected in the design of the new BMW 5-Series Touring. The side view particularly emphasises this fact. With its stretched contours, the vehicle has a particularly flat silhouette. This is emphasised by the slightly wedge-shaped geometry of the extended window surfaces and the distinctive contour line at door opener level. This contour line runs parallel to the door cavity covers and extends as far as the taillight. Together with the coupe-like roofline it creates an overall impression of being dynamically stretched. Also, the narrow body trim above the windows gives the new BMW 5-Series Touring an air of lightness and elegance.

In the lower sections of the body, concave surfaces create lively light and shade effects, emphasising the sporting character of the BMW 5-Series Touring. Greater curvature around the rear wheel arches bears testimony to rear-wheel drive. At this point, the body boasts its maximum width, standing firmly on the rear wheels.

The dynamic contours of the vehicle are further emphasised by the counter-swing - also referred to as the "Hofmeisterknick" - at the bottom of the D-pillar. Furthermore, the new versions of the optional roof luggage rails, which are flat-mounted, solid one-piece elements, contribute towards the silhouette's appearance. The roof luggage rails, available in satin finish aluminium, black and individual black, are flush with the roofline at the rear where their contours merge with the side edge of the roof spoiler.

Powerful looks, wide luggage compartment hatch: rear end design signalises sporting and active versatility.

The sculptural design so characteristic of the BMW 5-Series is also responsible for a smooth transition between the side panels and the rear end of the new touring model. The contour lines continue in the contour of the taillights and join above the number plate recess. Furthermore, seen from the rear, the concave surface between the contour line and the wheel arches give the body a distinctly visible waistline. The flared wheel arches and the horizontal breakdown of the rear end strongly emphasise the powerful stature of the new BMW 5-Series Touring, the wide track and the wheels ending flush with the wheel arches, further enhancing this impression.

The wide rear window surface gives indication of the generously dimensioned luggage compartment hatch. The third brake light positioned above the rear window on the visible edge of the roof spoiler is recognisable even when inactive. The vertically divided, L-shaped rear light clusters reflect a brand-typical appearance and provide an unmistakable "night design". Two rows of LED lights recessed well into the tailgate are characteristic of homogeneously glowing BMW light elements. Moreover, the direction indicators and brake lights also feature LED technology.

Interior: Ample, Luxurious Space Through Intelligent Functionality

Modern functionality and unsurpassed driving pleasure experienced only in a premium vehicle reflect the character of the new BMW 5-Series Touring. Its unique position in the upper midrange segment is the result of being able to fulfil the manifold requirements of a discerning target group in a resolute and convincing way. This applies to both the driving characteristics and the interior concept featured by the new BMW 5-Series Touring. Compared with its predecessor, its superior drivetrain and suspension technology has further enhanced sporting characteristics with the same optimised motoring comfort, whereby the optionally available Dynamic Driving Control enables drivers to set the suspension to their own individual requirements. Likewise, when utilising the interior, drivers can depend on the new BMW 5-Series Touring to adapt perfectly to each of their specific needs. Variable possibilities to increase luggage compartment capacity, intelligent details for optimising functionality and convenient operation ensure that the use of the transport capacities of the new BMW 5-Series Touring is a premium experience.

Due to a high degree of variability, the new BMW 5-Series Touring supports a versatile, active lifestyle that is characterised by varying requirements. It performs equally as convincing as an elegant and representative Business Touring as is does in the role of a comfortable family touring car, or when transporting bulky sports equipment and other items required for active leisure time. The BMW 5-Series Touring offers the driver the freedom to cope at any time with the challenges of a mobile lifestyle, whilst enjoying at the same time the elegant style and the uncompromising premium quality of a BMW 5-Series.

Increased variability through three-part rear seat backrest with adjustable angle.

When all five seats in the new BMW 5-Series Touring are utilised, a storage capacity of 560 litres is available under the luggage compartment sliding cover. Also, the possibilities for obtaining a flexible and situation-related augmentation of transport capacities have been significantly increased. This high degree of variability is achieved above all by the functionality of the rear seat backrest, a unique feature in this vehicle segment. As an integral part of the optional luggage compartment package and as an alternative to the standard adjustment, the rear seat backrest featured in the BMW 5-Series Touring can also be adjusted in an upright position. In this way either the rear seat comfort or the size of the storage compartment can be optimised as required. The locking mechanism features an adjustment wheel by which backrest tilt can be set in seven stages. This permits a reduction of the inclination angle by up to 11 degrees. When the backrest is in its maximum upright position, the luggage compartment volume is increased by a further 30 litres.

The standard features of the new BMW 5-Series Touring also include a new operational concept for partial or complete folding down of the back seat. The rear seat is 40 : 20 : 40 split folding - a unique feature in this segment. The three backrests can be either individually or jointly folded down in order to obtain a luggage compartment capacity increase of up to 1,670 litres. The result is an entirely even loading area extending to the backrests of the front seat. An optionally available ski and snowboard bag accommodating up to four pairs of skis can be pushed snugly through the centre section of the rear seat backrest and firmly fastened. Likewise, the transverse area of the middle backrest section offers ample room to store a surfboard or sports equipment of similar size between the outer rear seats.

Enhanced ease of use when increasing storage volume, folding mechanism can be activated from luggage compartment.

Releasing and folding down of backrest sections can effected either from the rear passenger compartment or by pulling one of the two control levers located at the sides of the luggage compartment. This permits fast and simple folding down of the backrest, either partially (40 : 60) or completely, whilst loading. Furthermore, the fastening mechanism for the luggage compartment cover has been further improved. When removing the cover casing, it is only necessary to press a release button to open the fasteners on both sides. Likewise, hooking up and unhooking of the separation net between the rear passenger compartment and the luggage compartment has now been optimised.

A wide, gas spring assisted opening in the luggage compartment floor offers space to safely store smaller pieces of luggage. In addition, the luggage compartment floor panel can be completely removed, creating a recess in the luggage compartment in which - using the Fix-kit from the BMW range of accessories - two bicycles with detached front wheels and mounted on their forks can be transported in the luggage compartment of the BMW 5-Series Touring.

The luggage compartment cover is raised and lowered automatically, rear window can be opened by remote control.

Maximum permissible payload for the new BMW 5-Series Touring is 650 kg. Thanks to a now even more generously dimensioned luggage compartment hatch, it is now even easier to load bulky items for transportation. Not only the width but also the height of the hatch has been significantly increased due to a new tailgate hinge mechanism, which is completely integrated into the surface of the roof. In spite of the coupe-like roofline of the new BMW 5-Series Touring, utilisable luggage compartment height has been increased in comparison to the predecessor model. Four fastening points fitted to the luggage compartment floor as standard permit secure storing of smaller pieces of luggage using fastening straps. The stainless steel loading sill inlay is a high-quality, durable feature.

An actuator integrated into the D-pillar and which comes as standard, moves the sliding cover of the new BMW 5-Series Touring luggage compartment. When either the tailgate or the separately opening rear window is opened, the cover automatically slides upwards. As soon the tailgate or the rear window is closed, the cover is, in turn, automatically lowered. Electric tailgate operation is optionally available for the BMW 5-Series Touring. The tailgate can then be opened by pressing a button on the remote control for the central locking function integrated into the car key. The tailgate is automatically locked by pressing a button located on the lower edge of the lid.

A further button on the remote control serves to open the separate rear window, which then, assisted by two gas springs, automatically moves upwards. The separately opening rear window facilitates the loading of smaller items of luggage when there is confined space available behind the vehicle.

Innovative and elaborately designed details underline the intelligent functionality that makes utilising the variable transportation capacities of the new BMW 5-Series Touring a pleasant experience. A luggage compartment package is optionally available, comprising in addition to bag hooks, fixing straps, fixing net and the four fastening points fitted as standard, two further adjustment points flexibly mounted on a rail and the backrest inclination adjustment function for the rear seat.

Moreover, the new BMW 5-Series Touring can be equipped with a tow coupling featuring an electrically operated pivot-mounted ball head. Maximum permissible towed load is 2,000 kg.

Driving Experience: Unrivalled Dynamics, Uncompromising Supremacy

The new BMW 5-Series offers Sheer Driving Pleasure in unique style, remaining faithful to the philosophy of the brand while nevertheless setting new highlights at the same time. Just like the 5-Series Sedan, the 5-Series Touring is further enhancing its leading position as the most sporting car in its segment, but also offers even more driving comfort than its predecessor. This double progress in two areas is ensured by the most advanced drivetrain and suspension technology.

The engine range featured in the new BMW 5-Series Touring boasts powerful and fast-revving petrol and diesel engines. Specifically, the range starts with two straight-six petrol engines delivering 225 kW/306 bhp and 150 kW/204 bhp respectively, with a 180 kW/245 bhp straight-six diesel and a four-cylinder diesel engine with 135 kW/184 bhp rounding off the portfolio. The suspension consists of a double-track control arm front axle and the integral V rear axle in a combination that promotes both agility and driving comfort, giving the car very harmonious anti-roll and transitional behaviour. In addition, the new BMW 5-Series Touring features as standard a rear-axle air suspension with self-levelling.

Optional Dynamic Driving Control enables the driver to adjust the set-up of the car to his personal preferences and wishes. As a further option, the new BMW 5-Series Touring may be fitted with Dynamic Damper Control or Adaptive Drive, a system that additionally offers an electronically controlled anti-roll stability management, and, as yet a further innovation in this class, BMW Integral Active Steering.

Six-cylinder petrol engines: setting the standard for fast-revving response, smoothness, efficiency and innovation.

Modern straight-six petrol engines guarantee up-to-date driving pleasure also in the new BMW 5-Series. The power units in the BMW 535i Touring and the BMW 523i Touring all combine spontaneous power and performance with unique revving qualities, outstanding efficiency, and supreme smoothness.

Delivering 225 kW/306 hp and offering a unique technological concept, the most powerful six-cylinder in the new BMW 5-Series clearly confirms both the sporting character of the touring and the innovative power of BMW's engine development specialists. Indeed, the 3.0-litre six-cylinder in the BMW 535i Touring is the first engine to combine BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection, and variable VALVETRONIC valve management. The turbocharger system applying the TwinScroll principle to separate the ducts of three cylinders at a time both in the intake manifold and in the turbocharger itself, as well as VALVETRONIC valve control developed to an even higher standard, ensure a fascinating response at all times.

The engine develops its maximum torque of 400 Nm/295 lb-ft all the way from 1,200 to 5,000 rpm, with maximum output at 5,800 rpm. In conjunction with High Precision Injection likewise optimised to an even higher standard, this ensures a balance of performance and fuel economy quite unparalleled in this power class. The new BMW 535i Touring accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds, its top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle, on the other hand, is 8.6 litres/100 kilometres (32.8 mpg imp), the CO2 rating is 201 grams per kilometre.

The six-cylinder power unit featured in the new BMW 523i Touring comes with an even more sophisticated version of High Precision Injection with an even greater focus on efficiency. Displacing 3.0 litres, this naturally aspirated engine receives its supply of fuel by direct injection in the lean-burn mode, maintaining this highly efficient injection process with a reduced amount of fuel in the fuel/air mixture throughout a broad load range and also at higher engine speeds. This combines the fast-revving driving characteristics and the dynamic build-up of power so typical of a BMW six-cylinder with particularly low fuel consumption and emissions.

In the new BMW 523i Touring, this technology provides for maximum output of 150 kW/204 hp at an engine speed of 6,100 rpm and peak torque of 270 Newton metres/199 lb-ft all the way from 1,500 - 4,250 rpm. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h comes in 8.2 seconds and the top speed of the new BMW 523i Touring is electronically limited to 231 km/h or 143 mph. This sporting performance goes together with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 7.9 litres/100 kilometres (35.7 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 185 grams per kilometre.

Six-cylinder diesels: supreme torque and optional BluePerformance technology ready to fulfil the EU6 emission standard.

Representing a brand-new generation of straight-six turbodiesels, the 3.0-litre power unit in the BMW 530d Touring offers even more torque and pulling force, enhanced smoothness and supreme economy. These qualities typical of a BMW diesel are ensured by an all-aluminium crankcase, the enhanced turbocharger system with variable turbine geometry and the latest generation of Common Rail fuel injection. Fuel is supplied by means of upgraded piezo injectors now operating at a maximum pressure of 1,800 bar. The injectors positioned right in the middle and the valves in vertical arrangement ensure a smooth and consistent combustion process, serving to reduce emissions from the engine right from the start.

This superior six-cylinder diesel develops maximum output of 180 kW/245 hp at an engine speed of 4,000 rpm, with peak torque of 540 Nm/398 lb-ft from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. This kind of power accelerates the new BMW 530d Touring to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and gives the car a top speed of 243 km/h or 150 mph. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle, in turn, is 6.4 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 44.1 mpg imp), with CO2 emissions of 169 grams per kilometre.

In standard trim the new BMW 530d Touring - just like all other versions of the new BMW 5-Series - fulfils the EU5 emission standard. Equipped with optional BMW BluePerformance technology available also on this model in conjunction with automatic transmission, the diesel engine of the new BMW 530d Touring offers even better emission management. In this case the diesel particulates filter and the oxidation catalyst housed in the same unit interact with an NOX storage catalyst for further reduction of nitric oxides in the exhaust gas. This high-tech exhaust gas management ensures that the new BMW 530d Touring already fulfils the requirements of the EU6 standard, which does not come into force until 2014. And like the diesel particulates filter, the NOX storage catalyst does not require any maintenance or additional operating media throughout the entire service life of the car.

Four-cylinder diesel: increased power, leadership in efficiency even greater than before.

The engine range featured in the new BMW 5-Series Touring is rounded off by an upgraded turbodiesel setting new records in terms of efficiency in this segment of the market. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel in the new BMW 520d Touring combines a composite aluminium crankcase, the latest generation of Common Rail direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. The increase in power and efficiency over the former model ensured in this way results from consistent optimisation of the combustion chambers, the charge system and the cylinder head, as well as the new arrangement of the ancillary units helping to reduce frictional losses to an even lower level than before.

Thermodynamically optimised, the charge system in the four-cylinder diesel engine ensures an optimum flow of power at all speeds and under all loads. An electric adjuster sets the turbine blades in the turbocharger to the current load status of the engine within fractions of a second, the engine thus following the gas pedal immediately both at low speeds and under full load whenever the driver requires maximum power and performance. The fuel injection system with magnetic valve injectors operating at a pressure of up to 1,800 bar ensures precise dosage of fuel as well as a consistent, low-emission combustion process.

Maximum power of the four-cylinder is up by 5 kW to 135 kW/184 bhp at an engine speed of 4,000 rpm. Up by 30 to 380 Newton-metres or 280 lb-ft, maximum torque comes all the way from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. This accelerates the new BMW 520d Touring to 100 km/h within just 8.3 seconds and gives the car a top speed of 222 km/h or 137 mph. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 5.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 54.3 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 137 grams per kilometre give the BMW 520d Touring even greater leadership than before as the most efficient car in the upper midrange segment.

Optimised six-speed manual gearbox with dry sump lubrication featured as standard.

Innovative technology ensures enhanced driving pleasure and optimised efficiency also in transmitting the power of the engine to the rear wheels of the new BMW 5-Series Touring. Benefiting from dry sump lubrication, the six-speed manual gearbox on the BMW 535i Touring and BMW 520d Touring has significantly lower drag losses and avoids oil splash losses completely in the interest of even greater efficiency.

Likewise, the new BMW 530d Touring and BMW 523i Touring come with new versions of the six-speed manual gearbox optimised for efficiency with conventional oil supply. The gearshift lever re-designed on all models and the shift bars again upgraded in their standard allow a smooth gearshift with optimum precision and steady shift forces, emphasizing the sporting quality of the manual gearshift so typical of BMW to an even greater extent than before.

Significant innovation with unique efficiency: eight-speed automatic transmission.

The new eight-speed automatic transmission featured for the first time in the BMW 760i twelve-cylinder Luxury Performance Sedan is available as an option for all variants of the new BMW 5-Series Touring available at market launch. When fitted, this makes the new BMW 520d Touring the first car in the world to combine a four-cylinder power unit with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This innovative transmission offers a unique combination of gearshift comfort, sportiness and efficiency at a standard never seen before, far superior in every respect to the automatic transmissions offered by the competition. As yet a further option the new BMW 5-Series Touring is also available with a Sport Automatic variant of the eight-speed transmission allowing manual selection of gears by means of shift paddles on the steering wheel. The control logic applied in this case follows the principle already featured on BMW M Cars, the driver shifting up on the right and down on the left paddle. A further feature of the Sport Automatic is the special design of the electronic gearshift lever on the centre console.

The eight-speed automatic transmission boasts a particularly innovative gearset configuration, four single gearsets and five shift units interacting to provide the eight forward gears and one reverse gear. The arrangement of these components to be seen here worldwide for the first time on an eight-speed automatic transmission ensures that only two of five clutches are moved along open in each gear, significantly reducing drag losses in comparison with the automatic transmissions currently in the market.

With the number of gears being increased to eight, gear increments when shifting are smaller than before despite the greater range between the lowest and highest transmission ratio. While accelerating, the harmonious shift in transmission ratios ensures a particularly smooth and steady increase in speed, short reaction and gearshift times compared to the six-speed automatic transmission, providing even greater comfort and driving dynamics. A further advantage is that only one clutch has to be opened when shifting up or down, while direct detection of the right gear lane enables the driver to shift the transmission by more than two gears at a time, again with extremely short reaction and gearshift times. The process of shifting down from eighth to second gear when accelerating spontaneously (kick-down) again comes with a direct gearshift opening up only one clutch.

Sophisticated suspension technology for enhanced agility and comfort.

The technically sophisticated suspension on the new BMW 5-Series Touring combines very sporting driving qualities with an even higher level of motoring comfort. The double-track control arm front axle made of aluminium allows clear separation of the wheel guidance and damping functions again in the interest of motoring comfort. Hardly influenced in the slightest by lateral forces, the dampers are able to respond particularly sensitively to bumps or unsmoothness on the road. At the same time, the kinematic configuration of the front axle, with the precisely matched wheel camber, keeps the tyres smoothly and consistently on the road for optimum grip, ensuring effective transmission of high lateral forces even without a particularly firm set-up potentially detrimental to motoring comfort. Yet a further advantage is that adverse forces on the steering are reduced to a minimum, the car handling even the most dynamic driving situations with high lateral acceleration smoothly and with superior comfort.

The newly developed Integral V rear axle likewise made of aluminium also offers all the features for enhanced driving dynamics and motoring comfort. Via the wheel supports, the rear axle subframe, the swinging arm and three track arms, the rear axle takes up drive and dynamic forces acting on the suspension with maximum efficiency. Innovative elastokinematic suspension of the swinging arms, in turn, serves to set off longitudinal forces by direct, straight spring action to the rear. Forces acting in radial and axial direction on the swinging arm rubber mounts are thus clearly separated from one another. And last but not least, the rear axle ensures first-class acoustic and vibration comfort by effectively separating the suspension from the road and the drivetrain. In addition, the new BMW 5-Series Touring features as standard a self-levelling air suspension at the rear, which provides for a constant vehicle height under all driving and load conditions. Each change in load is immediately taken account of and compensated as required by the individual wheels.

On the new BMW 5-Series Touring the double-track control arm front axle and the integral rear axle form a roll axis running almost parallel to the road itself. This gives the car exceptionally harmonious and stable behaviour in bends, with the front and rear axle always interacting efficiently in their roll and transient behaviour.

Adaptive Drive: even more dynamic and with unique comfort.

As an option the new BMW 535i Touring and BMW 530d Touring come with BMW Adaptive Drive comprising Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive active anti-roll stability management. Controlled electronically, the dampers adjust both to the road surface and the driver's style of motoring in order to prevent any undesired movement of the car possibly caused by bumps or high lateral acceleration. BMW is the world's first car maker to use the damping system first featured in the new BMW 7-Series with continuous and independent adjustment of the inbound and rebound strokes. This offers a unique combination of a firm suspension set-up and a comfortable response to bumps on the road. The driver is able to set the damper control map himself by means of Dynamic Drive Control, choosing from a comfortable, a normal and a sporting mode. Dynamic Damper Control is available as an individual option for the BMW 520d Touring and the BMW 523i Touring.

Dynamic Drive anti-roll stability reduces side roll of the car in fast bends and in a sudden change of direction. Depending on driving conditions, sensors determine the current side roll and swivel motors in the anti-roll bars both front and rear quickly and precisely build up appropriate counter-forces. This also shifts the distribution of forces between the front and rear axles, adjusting the car's steering behaviour and load change according to specific requirements in each situation and as a function of the suspension mode chosen.

Integral Active Steering: greater agility in town, enhanced comfort in a quick lane change.

Available as an option, Integral Active Steering is another innovation exclusive to the new BMW 5-Series models in the upper midrange segment. IAS combines the Active Steering on the front wheels already available on the former model with rear-axle steering, the steering angle and steering assistance therefore being controlled for the first time both front and rear by electric motors.

On models fitted with Integral Active Steering, steering forces are controlled by Servotronic and the steering angle is masterminded by an additional active steering transmission acting on the front axle, in each case as a function of road speed. At the same time the system also varies the steering angle of the rear wheels through a concentrically arranged motor acting through spindle drive on the rear axle. Both front and rear, Integral Active Steering adjusts the steering angle through an electric motor masterminded by a control unit receiving data on wheel rotation speed, movement of the steering wheel, the yaw rate and lateral acceleration to ensure optimum steering behaviour under all conditions.

Active Steering on the front wheels enables the driver to manoeuvre the car smoothly and easily at low speeds with just small movements of the steering wheel and without crossing over his hands. At higher speeds, in turn, the same movement of the steering wheel turns the wheel by a smaller angle for optimum precision when steering into bends. Turning the rear wheels by up to 3 degrees, Integral Active Steering further enhances the agility and manoeuvrability of the car in city traffic and on winding mountain roads, with the rear wheels turning opposite to the steering angle of the front wheels at speeds of up to 60 km/h. This not only reduces the turning circle by approximately 0.5 metres, but also increases the driver's motoring comfort by reducing the steering effort required.

At higher speeds, Integral Active Steering gives the car an extremely comfortable and superior response when changing lanes and in bends. With the rear wheels turning in the same direction as the front wheel, the BMW 5-Series Touring follows the course set out by the driver precisely and smoothly in every situation. When changing direction under dynamic driving conditions, the car is therefore able to master a high level of lateral acceleration without the yaw rate increasing to the same extent. This ensures a significant increase in motoring comfort.

Dynamic Drive Control: the ideal set-up for every situation.

The new BMW 5-Series Touring sets new standards in the upper midrange segment not only in terms of driving dynamics, but also in its driving comfort. Right from the start the suspension technology featured as standard provides a good balance of driving dynamics and comfort. And depending on driving conditions as well as individual preferences, the driver may place the emphasis on both the sporting and/or the comfort character of the new touring. All this is made possible by Dynamic Drive Control which, in conjunction with the optional Sport Automatic, Integral Active Steering and Dynamic Damper Control or, respectively, Adaptive Drive, comes as standard on the BMW 5-Series Touring.

Dynamic Drive Control masterminds the progressive action of the gas pedal, the response of the engine, the steering assistance map, the thresholds of DSC Dynamic Stability Control and, where fitted, also the dynamic gearshift of the automatic transmission and the control map on Dynamic Damper Control, the anti-roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering. The driver is able to set the suspension configuration he prefers simply by pressing a button on the centre console, using a toggle switch to choose among the NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes. In conjunction with Dynamic Damper Control and, respectively, Adaptive Drive, there is also the COMFORT mode for a particularly smooth style of motoring. All this enables the driver to activate a pre-configured, fully harmonised set-up put together individually through appropriate adjustment of the car's drivetrain and suspension components.

On the road the differences between the individual modes come out very clearly indeed. The SPORT mode, for example, provides far more direct steering behaviour and a more spontaneous, direct response to the gas pedal. In addition, Dynamic Drive Control enables the driver to choose an individual configuration for the SPORT mode to meet his particular requirements. Through the iDrive control system, therefore, the driver is able to choose either the normal or the sporting set-up for both the drivetrain and suspension components. Hence, he may, if he wishes, use the sporting set-up on the drivetrain components even if road conditions would not suggest a harder damper configuration.

Another button enables the driver to choose the appropriate DSC setting. As an example, he may activate a special traction mode for starting off and driving more easily on loose sand or in deep snow. This is effected by DTC Dynamic Traction Control, a special mode of DSC, raising the response thresholds of Driving Stability Control. The DTC function for Driving Stability Control is also activated in the SPORT+ mode.

This DSC-Off mode activates an electronic locking function similar to the rear axle differential in the interest of a more sporting and ambitious style of motoring. To optimise traction, a drive wheel spinning when accelerating out of a tight bend is slowed down appropriately, with pulling forces being maintained through the other, opposite wheel on the axle.

Lightweight brake system: free of fading, precise and comfortable.

Reliable brakes free of fading, offering comfortable and convenient control, and extremely precise dosage help to further enhance the dynamic driving qualities of the new BMW 5-Series Touring. The new BMW 5-Series comes with lightweight brakes in swing-calliper technology and with inner-vented brake discs, where the friction ring is riveted on to the aluminium cover. This principle patented by BMW and now also used by other car makers, together with the aluminium callipers in frame design on the front axle, serves to significantly reduce unsprung masses.

Depending on the engine, the brake discs measure up to 374 millimetres or 14.7 inches in diameter. Together with these large brakes, the wheels fitted as standard are also larger than on the previous model. All versions of the touring come on light-alloy wheels measuring 17 inches. The tyre dimension, in turn, is 225/55 R 17. Further light-alloy wheels measuring 17, 18 and 19 inches respectively are available as an option.

The brake system is supported by DSC Dynamic Stability Control with a wide range of functions. Over and above its stabilising effect, DSC incorporates further functions for safe and dynamic motoring at all times. These include the ABS anti-lock brake system, ASC Automatic Stability Control, Trailer Stability Control, CBC Cornering Brake Control as well as DBC Dynamic Brake Control automatically maximising brake pressure on the two axles as soon as the system detects that the driver wishes to brake hard. Under extremely high brake temperatures, an appropriate increase in brake pressure prevents any fading, while regular Dry Braking optimises brake performance in wet conditions and the Brake Standby function builds up moderate brake pressure whenever the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal abruptly. And last but not least, the Start-Off Assistant supports the driver when setting off on a gradient.

Driving dynamics intelligently controlled: Integrated Chassis Management and FlexRay technology.

The systems incorporated in the new BMW 5-Series Touring in the interest of enhanced driving dynamics are perfectly connected by Integrated Chassis Management (ICM). This high-performance electronic control function analysing the car's driving behaviour by evaluating numerous sensor signals at one central point, coordinates the drivetrain and suspension functions within fractions of a second to provide maximum stability under all driving conditions. And even when conditions change suddenly - for example on changing surfaces when spontaneously turning the steering, accelerating or applying the brakes abruptly - ICM responds by intervening precisely in the DSC actuators and, where fitted as an option, by acting on the Integral Active Steering and Adaptive Drive.

Interaction of the car's suspension control systems and the drivetrain is equally unique and unparalleled, the high-speed FlexRay data transmission system serving to coordinate all systems and sub-systems fast and reliably. Developed by a consortium of specialist companies to production standard under the guidance of BMW, FlexRay offers a data transfer capacity never seen before, 20 times higher than with a conventional data transmission system. BMW is the world's first car maker to introduce FlexRay technology in its production models.

Body and Safety: Strong Character

The exterior design of the new BMW 5-Series Touring offers a perfect balance of aesthetic looks and sporting dynamics in a unique interpretation of the touring concept. The body structure sets new standards in terms of solidity and intelligent lightweight construction. The use of the most appropriate materials serves to meet the highest demands on passive safety and at the same time optimise the weight of the car in the interest of enhanced efficiency and driving dynamics. A wide range of safety components interacting precisely with one another in a carefully coordinated overall concept guarantees excellent occupant safety whenever a collision is unavoidable. The safety concept of the new BMW 5-Series Touring also incorporates fundamental structural and innovative technologies for optimising pedestrian safety on the road, thus adding reliable protection in all conceivable crash situations to the sheer driving pleasure so characteristic of a BMW. Hence, the new BMW 5-Series naturally meets all requirements for achieving excellent results in all crash tests the world over.

Like the sedan, the new BMW 5-Series Touring comes with an extremely stiff passenger cell, intelligent use of high-strength multi-phase steel and hot-moulded ultra-high-strength steel, giving the safety passenger cell maximum stiffness on relatively low weight. Compared with the former model, mean stiffness of the body structure is up by approximately 30 percent in the interest of optimum passive safety and as the foundation for excellent driving dynamics. The lightweight quality rating, that is torsional stiffness as a function of the car's footprint and overall weight, is also absolutely outstanding.